Things to do
The best Labor Day weekend events in Chicago
Find events to keep you busy across all three days of the long weekend.
Luckily, we still have a few more weeks of summer to savor after Labor Day, but this three-day weekend is often regarded as the season's final send-off—so you might as well make the most of it!
Want to spend your weekend outside? Soak up some rays at the best Chicago beaches or waterfront restaurants along Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, or catch the last night of fireworks at Navy Pier on Saturday evening. If arts and culture is more your speed, catch one of the city's many music festivals (like the dance music-centric lineups at North Coast and ARC Music Festival) or an outdoor movie at the Music Box Theatre's garden. Prefer to skip town for the holiday? We've got some sweet weekend getaways from Chicago in mind, too.
When is Labor Day?
This year, Labor Day falls on Monday, September 1, 2025.
What is Labor Day?
Labor Day is a national holiday created to celebrate the contributions of the American worker. It falls on the first Monday of September, resulting in a coveted three-day weekend. Chicago is fairly busy over Labor Day weekend as locals head out to beaches, rooftop bars and other outdoor spots to enjoy the late summer weather.
